Sparse Eyebrows? Here’s How To Fill In Eyebrows Perfectly

There are so many reasons you could have sparse eyebrows or no eyebrows at all – anything from medical procedures and hair loss to years of over-plucking could be the cause. And if you want to create the look of fully defined eyebrows again, we know how tricky it can be. 

Of course, you can consider long-term solutions (like microblading); however, as with any of these longer-term semi-permanent beauty treatments, they will require upkeep for years.

If you prefer to take matters into your own hands, we have all the guidance you need. We asked celebrity make-up artist Lan Nguyen-Grealis what the secret to creating realistic eyebrows with make-up and the best eyebrow pencil for sparse brows. 

A step-by-step guide to brow mapping

The first thing you need to do to achieve realistic brow makeup is to map your brow for a symmetrical look. 

Brow mapping is a great solution to achieving your best brows yet. Mapping should work for everyone, as it ensures that the brows you create are right for your face, as you’re using your features to determine its shape and size. 

Step 1: Find the correct placement for your brows

“Brow mapping shouldn’t be difficult if you know how to do it properly,” says Nguyen-Grealis. “I find it easiest to search for the inner corner of the brow first. I use a pencil or make-up brush to help me do this – by lining it up with the edge of the nose and lightly marking the skin where the tool touches along the brow bone.”

“Then, I find where the natural tail of the brow should be placed by holding the tool diagonally across the face, with the lower end touching the edge of the nostril and the end touching where the tail of the brow should sit. Mark the skin again lightly on this point.”

Nguyen-Grealis also shared: “To find where the brow’s arch should be, line up the tool diagonally, again going from the edge of the nose, and up through the centre of the eye and mark the skin as the pencil touches the orbital bone. This is where the highest point of the brow should be.”

Step 2: Connect the dots and draw the shape

“Draw lightly along the eyebrows to join up the three marked points, before creating natural, hair-like strokes gently onto the skin on top of the natural hairs with a fine-tip eyebrow pencil or product. Be sure to set it with an eyebrow-fixing product for all-day wear,” Nguyen-Grealis explains.

Choosing the right eyebrow products

The next step for perfect makeup for missing eyebrows is to choose the right products. You can choose from a variety of options: 

Eyebrow pencils

Eyebrow pencils are designed to enhance or reshape eyebrows. They have a pointed tip that allows for precision application and is usually well-pigmented to fill in any sparse areas. Eyebrow pencils are also ideal for anyone with gaps, asymmetry, or sparse ends. 

If you have no eyebrow hairs to start with or very spare or thin eyebrows, pencils will look the most natural compared to powders.

You need a brow pencil with a soft, slightly waxy texture that can be sharpened to a point. This will help you draw on natural-looking hairs.

Try: The classic Clarins Eyebrow Pencils have a vast shade range and a creamy, long-wearing formula. It is the best eyebrow pencil for no eyebrows and sparse eyebrows. They also come with a brow brush on the other end of the pencil – so you don’t need any extra tools.

Eyebrow Powders 

Opt for an eyebrow powder if you want a softer look for your natural brow. Powders are designed to fill in sparse areas and add more definition to the brow shape, and if used sparingly, generally give a much subtler finish than pencils or other eyebrow products. The best brushes are double-ended, so you get a tapered pointy version on one end and the brush or comb on the other.

Eyebrow Gels 

Eyebrow gels help to shape, define and fix eyebrows in place all day. They usually look like mascaras – they come with a spoolie applicator and can be brushed through the brows until the desired look and shape are reached. Gels can be used on their own, or on top of other brow products to properly fix them in place. 

Want to make more of an impact? Test the Clarins Lash & Brow Double Fix Mascara for added longevity and a lifted lash effect.

Choosing the right colour for sparse eyebrows

When choosing a brow product, it’s mega important to choose the right shade for you. 

No matter what colour your hair is, your brows are nearly always a cooler tone. If you have very dark hair, you can choose a shade that’s slightly ashier (and maybe even a tad lighter) than your natural hair colour. On the other hand, if you have light hair, consider going for a shade darker for more definition. But always ensure the brow product has a cool undertone.

If you’ve got red hair, you don’t need red eyebrows. Instead, choose a cool-toned auburn.

How to fill in sparse or missing eyebrows to make them look thicker

So now you’re armed with the right brow product and have your shape ready; it’s time to fill the brow in. This is also a great guide on how to fill in thin eyebrows for beginners, which everyone can follow. 

●  Sharpen your pencil, so it has a precise tip.

●  Begin by drawing tiny little hairs in the front of the brow. Brows in the front tend to grow straight up. Mimic this when you’re drawing them. 

●  Use short, light strokes to draw these vertical lines. Keep drawing them upward until you reach the arch. This is where brow growth tends to change direction and go sideways. 

●  Once you’ve finished, take a cotton bud and wipe off the dots. You can then give the hairs another brush or set them with a gel. Clarins Brow 2 Go is a 2-in-1 product that sculpts and enhances your eyebrows, giving you a full brow look. 

●  If you really want to invest in your brows, invest in a growth serum, which can be applied twice per day to encourage new growth.

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